Electronic device interface switching system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a first connector and a switching system. The first connector is configured to receive a second connector having a first contact area and a second different contact area. The switching system is connected to the first connector. The switching system is configured to alternatively connect a ground of the apparatus to the first or the second contact area.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/IB2007/003713, filed Nov. 30, 2007 which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. This application also claims priority under35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/003,986filed Nov. 21, 2007 which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to an electronic device and, more particularly, toan interface switching system for an electronic device.

2. Brief Description of Prior Developments

As electronic devices continue to become more sophisticated, thesedevices provide an increasing amount of functionality. Many of thesedevices include connector interfaces allowing for peripheral componentsto be connected to the device and/or communication to other electronicdevices. Circular connectors have been the most commonly used contactfor multiple audio devices, including microphones, headphones,line-level audio outputs as well as video outputs. The circularconnector may be an analog 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm headset or headphoneconnector, for example.

Basic mechanical dimensions of the connectors are reasonably welldefined in different industry standards. As a consequence of the largenumber of applications and lack of binding standards in audio andtelecommunications, the actual number of electrical contacts and theiruse varies from application to application. One example is the OpenMobile Terminal Platform (OMTP) standard for the pin order within theconnector. Referring now to a circular connector or connector plug 26shown in FIG. 2, the OMTP standard configuration includes Ground (GND)signal connected to a pin (or contact area) 28, a microphone signalconnected to a pin (or contact area) 30, a right audio output signalconnected to a pin (or contact area) 32, and a left audio output signalconnected to a pin (or contact area) 34. In CDMA phones the standardrequirement is to connect the ground signal to the pin 28, the leftaudio output to the pin 30, the right audio output to the pin 32, andthe microphone signal to the pin 34. In another commonly usedconfiguration (or alternative pinout configuration) the microphonesignal is connected to the pin 28, the ground signal to the pin 30, theright audio out signal to the pin 32, and the left audio out signal tothe pin 34.

This incompatibility leads to several different consequences whenconnecting devices with connectors of differing standards. For example,some basic functions may be available, but full functionality of thedevice may be lacking (such as stereo or mono audio outputs work, butthe microphone or video outputs are inoperable). In another example, thefunctionality of the device may be too limited for practical use (suchas only one audio channel of a stereo headphone available). In yetanother example, there may be no functionality whatsoever (such as noaudio output or input, or strong interference signals in theheadphones).

Accordingly, there is a desire to provide an improved electronic deviceinterface system.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an apparatus isdisclosed. The apparatus includes a first connector and a switchingsystem. The first connector is configured to receive a second connectorhaving a first contact area and a second different contact area. Theswitching system is connected to the first connector. The switchingsystem is configured to alternatively connect a ground of the apparatusto the first or the second contact area.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an apparatus isdisclosed. The apparatus includes a connector socket and a switchingsystem. The connector socket is configured to alternatively receive afirst connector plug having a first electrical configuration pattern anda second connector plug having a second different electricalconfiguration pattern. The switching system is connected to theconnector socket. The switching system is configured to output a thirdelectrical configuration pattern when the first connector plug isreceived in the socket. The switching system is configured to output thesame third electrical configuration pattern when the second connectorplug is received in the socket.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method isdisclosed. A housing section is provided. Electronic circuitry isinstalled in the housing section. A first connector is connected to thehousing section. The first connector is configured to receive a secondconnector having a first contact area and a second different contactarea. A switching system is connected to the first connector. Theswitching system is configured to alternatively connect a ground of theelectronic circuitry to the first or the second contact area.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method isdisclosed. A housing section is providing. Electronic circuitry isinstalled in the housing section. A connector socket is connected to thehousing section. The connector socket is configured to alternativelyreceive a first connector plug having a first electrical configurationpattern and a second connector plug having a second different electricalconfiguration pattern. A switching system is connected to the connectorsocket. The switching system is configured to output a third electricalconfiguration pattern when the first connector plug is received. Theswitching system is configured to output the same third electricalconfiguration pattern when the second connector plug is received.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method isdisclosed. A circuit pattern of contact areas of a connector plugreceived at a connector socket of an electronic device is detected.Electrical connections within the electronic device are switched basedon the detected circuit pattern. The connector plug is electricallyconnected to the electronic device through the switched electricalconnections.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a program storagedevice readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program ofinstructions executable by the machine for performing operations toprovide a connection between a first device and a second device isdisclosed. A circuit pattern of contact areas of a connector plugreceived at a connector socket of the first device is detected. Theconnector plug is connected to a second device. Electrical connectionswithin the first device are switched based on the detected circuitpattern. The second device is electrically connected to the first devicethrough the switched electrical connections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explainedin the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device comprising featuresof the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a connector socket of the electronicdevice shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary switching system used inthe electronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary switching system usedin the electronic device shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary switching system usedin the electronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary algorithm used in theelectronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary switching system usedin the electronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary switching system usedin the electronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary switching system usedin the electronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary method of manufacturing theelectronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of another exemplary method of manufacturingthe electronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary method of switchingelectrical connections within the electronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating components of the portableelectronic device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary switching systemused with the electronic device shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of CDMA pinout configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of an electronicdevice 10 incorporating features of the invention. Although theinvention will be described with reference to the exemplary embodimentsshown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can beembodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, anysuitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.

In this exemplary embodiment the device 10 is a multi-function portableelectronic device. However, in alternate embodiments, features of theexemplary embodiment of this invention could be used in any suitabletype of hand-held portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, agaming device, a music player, or a PDA, for example. In addition, as isknown in the art, the device 10 can include multiple features orapplications such as a camera, a music player, a game player, or anInternet browser, for example. The device 10 generally comprises ahousing 12, a transceiver 14 connected to an antenna 16, electroniccircuitry 18, such as a controller and a memory for example, within thehousing 12, a user input region 20 and a display 22. The display 22could also form a user input section, such as a touch screen. Thehousing 12 also includes a connector socket (or jack) 24. It should benoted that in alternate embodiments, the device 10 can have any suitabletype of features as known in the art.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, the connector socket 24 is configured toreceive a connector plug 26 of another component, such as a headset forexample. The connector plug may be a circular connector such as a 2.5 mmor 3.5 mm connector commonly used for audio/video connections, forexample. However, the connector socket may be configured to receive anysuitable type of connector plug. The connector plug generally comprisescontact areas 28, 30, 32, 34 spaced along a length of the connector. Thecontact areas are generally separated by an insulating material 36 tokeep the areas separate from each other.

In one configuration compatible with applicable OMTP standards as per2007, the first contact area 28 provides a ground signal, the secondcontact area 30 provides a control/microphone signal, the third contactarea 32 provides a right audio channel signal, and the fourth contactarea 134 provides a left audio channel signal. The configuration of thecontact areas provides an electrical configuration pattern (or circuitpattern) for the connector plug. However, different industry standardsmay provide other contact area, or pinout, locations. For example, in asecond configuration (which hereinafter may be also be referred to as analternative pinout configuration), the first contact area provides amicrophone or video signal, the second contact area provides a groundsignal, the third contact area provides a right audio channel signal,and the fourth contact area provides a left audio channel signal. Inanother example, such as a “Standard AV” configuration, the firstcontact area provides a right audio channel signal, the second contactarea provides a ground signal, the third contact area provides a videosignal, and the fourth contact area provides a left audio channelsignal. In yet another example, such as a CDMA arrangement configuration(shown in FIG. 15), the first contact area provides a ground signal, thesecond contact area provides a left audio channel signal, the thirdcontact area provides a right audio channel signal, and the fourthcontact area provides a microphone/switch signal. These are only someexamples and it should be understood that many other pinoutconfigurations or circuit patterns may be provided.

The connector socket 24 comprises mating contact areas 38, 40, 42, 44configured to be electrically connected with the connector plug contactareas when the connector plug is received by the connector socket. Themating contact area 38 is configured to contact the fourth contact area34. The mating contact 40 area is configured to contact the thirdcontact area 32. The mating contact area 42 is configured to contact thesecond contact area 30. The mating contact area 44 is configured tocontact the first contact area 28. It should be understood that althoughthe figures illustrate plug configurations having four contact areas(and thus a circuit pattern with four conductors), alternate embodimentsmay provide a connector socket configured to receive a connector plughaving more or less contact areas/conductors.

Referring now also to FIG. 3, a switching system 100 in accordance witha first embodiment is disclosed. For the purposes of clarity, theconnector socket 24 is shown with hidden lines. When the connector plug26 is received in the connector socket 24, the contact areas of theconnector plug 28, 30, 32, 34 are electrically connected to the matingcontact areas 38, 40, 42, 44 of the connector socket 26. The matingcontact areas 38, 40, 42, 44 of the connector socket 24 are connected toa switching system 100 in the device 10. The switching system 100 is anautomatic pin switching arrangement configured to allow for theconnection of different industry standard connector plugs havingdifferent circuit patterns to be connected to the same connector socket24.

The switching system 100 isolates the signal at the mating contact 42and the signal at the mating contact 44 from the device ground byinserting a switch element therebetween. This switching system maycomprise a MicroElectro Mechanical System (MEMS) switch 102 that canprovide down to about a 10 milliohms on-resistance and up to about 60 dBisolation. However, in an alternate embodiment a Field Effect transistor(FET) and/or a transistor (N-channel or NPN) can be considered (insteadof the MEMS switch) for cost critical, non perfect cases like headsetconnection only (no TV-out). Analogue switches A, B, C, D within theswitching system enable connectivity to the different signalconnections. Although FIG. 3 illustrates the switches connected betweenthe device and the contact areas 42, 44, alternative embodiments may beextended to include additional switches connected to the other contactareas 38, 40, (as needed to accommodate the functionality perapplications, such as a TV-out signal for example). In addition,software to control the output L & R channel audio output amplifies andto read microphone (mic) input may be implemented as needed to controlthe MEMS switches (or FET or NPN transistors) respectively. An algorithmmay also be incorporated to be run by the software to solve the rightpinout and to enable usecase match between the two connected devices ora device and an enhancement (headset, headphone, speakers, car, etc).

The switches A, B and switches C, D may be opened or closed to providethe desired connection. For example, if the device detects an OMTPpinout configuration (as mentioned above having a ground signal at thefirst contact area 28 and a control/microphone signal at the secondcontact area) received within the connector socket 24, switches A and Bwill be closed. If the device detects the second pinout configuration(as mentioned above having a control/video signal at the first contactarea 28 and a ground signal at the second contact area 30) receivedwithin the connector socket 24, switches C and D will instead be closed.This provides for the proper routing of the ground and control signalsbetween the connector plug 26 and the device 10.

By changing the position of the ground connection (through the switchingsystem 100), a desired solution is provided as a mismatch of the groundsignals generally leads to the total non-functionality of the device orperipheral connected to the connector plug 24.

Many conventional plug configurations are based on the “long ground“GND” pin” convention, which has provided compatibility in most usecases. When portable terminals or devices are connected to combinationsof 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm connector plugs (such as 2.5 mm CDMA pinout, 2.5 mmand 3.5 mm OMTP pinout, and 3.5 mm alternative pinout configuration) infour conductor arrangements, dramatic customer confusion may occur asthese devices become non-functional due to mismatched or misalignedsignals.

The disclosed switching system may be controlled by an algorithm toprovide the required pin (or signal) match. This may be provided as anautomatic (or as user menu selectable) feature.

Referring now also to FIG. 4, a switching system 200 in accordance witha second embodiment is illustrated. The switching system 200 comprises aright channel audio amplifier (optional output switch) 202, a leftchannel audio amplifier (optional output switch) 204, a ground amplifier(optional output switch) 214, a video amplifier (optional output switch)216, microphone input isolation switch devices 209A, 209B, 210, 211, amicrophone input amplifier 212, and the headphone/headset output jack24. The switching system illustrates a configuration where substantiallyany connector plug combination is possible. This configuration providesalternative possibilities for creating a ground signal both through aswitching device and by an actively driven amplifier with zero input.

It should be noted that the controllable blocks may, but do not allneed, audio and/or video amplifier, active ground through amplifier,and/or connection to the terminal ground through a switching device. Insome implementations it may be preferred to replace one or more blockswith fixed connections.

Referring now also to FIG. 5, a switching system 300 in accordance witha third embodiment is illustrated. Similar to the system 200, the system300 comprises a right channel audio amplifier (optional output switch)302, a left channel audio amplifier (optional output switch) 304,microphone input isolation switch devices 310, 311, a microphone inputamplifier 312, and the headphone/headset output jack 24. The system 300further comprises a switchable ground connection 314 for pin 3 (whichmay be contact area 28 or 30 for example), comprising a controllablecurrent source 318, a transistor 320, and a resistor 321, and aswitchable ground connection 316 for pin 4 (which may be contact area 28or 30 for example), comprising a controllable current source 319, atransistor 322, and a resistor 323.

The system 300 provides a cost-effective practical implementationcovering a large variety of practical telecommunications applications,such as the standard OMTP pinout configuration and the secondconfiguration (alternative pinout configuration). Functionality may besomewhat limited with respect to the system 200 configuration by usingfixed signal wiring to most common phone headset/microphoneconfigurations. Large drive current requirements of the bipolarswitching transistors may necessitate the use of a specificsignal-dependent control circuit.

The system 300 provides a transistor base bias drive. From the left andthe right outgoing audio signals, a bias current control is to berectified for current generators 318, 319 in such a manner that positivesum signal of L & R (referred to as internal GND) can cause a slightincrease in the transistor(s) 320, 322 base current in order to maintaingood saturation, while a negative sum signal of the same, cause a higherbias current to compensate NPN transistors 320, 322 weak capability tocope with negative collector signals. As a rule of thumb, thetransistor(s) 320, 322 positive base bias current in case of negativeoutgoing sum of L & R outlets, should be equal to or higher than the sumreturning negative GND current of L & R signals. When no Outgoingsignal, base current can be minimized to sub mA-level.

An exemplary ground selection algorithm 400 is illustrated in FIG. 6 anddescribed below. This description is just one method and any othersuitable algorithm may be provided. There may be other algorithms,sequences or modifications to the arrangement or order of these steps tosupport the invention. Note: closing a switch or a transistor mean: makeit conductive: 1) Selection between OMTP arrangement and the secondconfiguration arrangement. 2) Detection of an adapter with an open otherend.

The algorithm 400 may be provided for other switching systems (such assystems 300A and 300B shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 for example). Step402—Mechanical or electrical or optical or other method of detectingthat a plug has been connected to the connector 24. Step 404—Closeswitches 314, 316. Activate amplifiers 302, 304 to be at zero output,low ohmic output mode. Step 406—Open switch 314 and close switch 311.Measure mic bias with mic input stage 312. If mic bias normal, then mostlikely it is the alternative pinout configuration. If very low signaldetected, possibly stereo headphones or a cable with long GND connected.Step 408—If no clear mic bias, close 314, open 311, close 310, open 316and measure mic input bias with 312. If normal mic bias detected, assumeOMTP pinout headset connected. If very low signal detected, possiblystereo headphones or a cable with long GND connected. Step 410—If steps406 and 408 show very low, under 4 ohms connection between pins L and Rof connector 24, then assume a plug with long gad pin arrangementconnected. This can be either stereo headphones or a stereo cable withlong GND conductor. Step 412—After steps 402-410, transmit a low volume,preferably low frequency signal first from amplifier 304 and then fromamplifier 302 and while keeping the switching arrangement of steps 406or 408, ensure that no direct signal feedback take place to mic input312. If GND selection is correct, then no feedback is detected. Step414—If outcome was that we have a so called long GND plug inserted(outcome of step 410), then close both 314 and 316 for best possiblegrounding for stereo out only usecases without microphone. Step 316—Ifnot sure of the outcome, a menu can be launched for the user to lethim/her select the right ground (GND) setting based on knownalternatives.

Referring now also to FIG. 7, a switching system 300A in accordance witha fourth embodiment is illustrated. The system 300A provides a variantof the system 300, wherein MOSFET switches 314A, 316A replace the switchcircuits 314 and 316 comprising the bipolar transistors 320, 322. Thefunctionality of the system 300A is the same as the system 300, but onedifference is that there is no need for dynamic bias current adjustmentsin order to save power. Control current consumption of the system 300Ais reduced from that of the system 300.

Referring now also to FIG. 8, a switching system 300B in accordance witha fifth embodiment is illustrated. The system 300B provides anothervariant of the system 300, wherein MEMS switches 314B, 316B replace theswitch circuits 314 and 316 comprising the bipolar transistors 320, 322.This system 300B configuration provides the benefit of being down to 20milli Ohms-level switching. The functionality of the system 300B is thesame as in the system 300. The control current consumption of the system30DB is reduced from that of the system 300 and off-state isolationcharacteristics, and on-state resistance, are improved from that of thesystem 300A.

It should be noted that the MEMS switches 314B, 316B may have ultra low(10 milli Ohms) ON resistance, high common mode range and highisolation. Additionally, multiple switch elements can be used inparallel to minimize ON resistance.

Referring now also to FIG. 9, a switching system 500 in accordance witha sixth embodiment is illustrated. Similar to the systems describedabove, the system 300 comprises a right channel audio amplifier(optional output switch) 502, a left channel audio amplifier (optionaloutput switch) 504, microphone input isolation switch devices 509, 510,511, a microphone input amplifier 512, and the headphone/headset outputjack 24. The system 500 additionally comprises buffer amplifiers 514,516. The system 500 provides a configuration where fully flexiblerouting of audio and video signals to all known contact combinations ispossible. The use of the system 500 places more stringent requirementsthan the previous implementations on the output amplifiers in terms ofoperating voltage, bandwidth, and output power capability. A morelimited implementation without video output capability is possible,placing less demand on the amplifier bandwidth. Such an implementationwould still provide for full compatibility towards all audio-onlyheadsets and connector cables.

It is to be understood that the disclosed switching system may beprovided on any suitable portable audio and multimedia devices,including telecommunication terminal devices that have multi-contactcircular connectors combining audio output and microphone input and/orvideo outputs.

The disclosed switching system allows for the position of the groundsignal to be varied to any (reasonable) electrical contact within thesame connector. The ground signal can be created by connecting thecontact to the device ground via a suitable electronically controlledswitching device (e.g. a saturated bipolar [NPN] transistor, a MOSFETswitch, or a MEMS switch), or by driving the contact with an amplifierthat has zero input.

Automatic detection may be provided for the most likely order (based onknown conventional configurations) of electrical connections. Detectionmay be initiated when the system senses the insertion of a plug to theconnector. This detection is often sensed with a mechanical switch, butother means of detection are possible and the exact mechanism ofdetection is not critical to the invention. Contact combinations can belimited to known commercial implementations, simplifying the search andreducing the ambiguity. The disclosed switching device may also providefor automatic routing of the signals to correspond to the detected orderand connecting the bias signal and signal amplifier for a microphone toa suitable contact.

Several industry standard plug and socket configurations (such as OMTPaligned 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm connectors for audio and video comprising fourconductors) provide arrangements to accept and detect 3-conductorstandard headphones (no mic), video cable and standard analogue stereoaudio cables. This is based on an assumption that the ground contactarea of the plug makes connection on both sides properly. Currently,there are conventional configurations offering a cable where the groundcontact area (or pin) is not at the OMTP specified location (i.e. thefirst contact area). This creates incompatibility and fragmentation onthe market. In addition, a conventional CDMA pinout configuration, isavailable where the ground pin is at the same location with OMTP, butthe microphone signal is positioned differently from that of OMTP, beingat the tip or end of the plug.

Having market fragmentation risk, and deviation from OMTP taking place,there may end up to three type of connectors: OMTP (where 2.5 mm and 3.5mm are the same and converter cables are standard cables and thusaligned), the alternative pinout configuration and CDMA with differentpinouts in 2.5 mm and in 3.5 mm connector plugs. This would quicklygenerate a wide population of pin swapping converters and non-1:1 pinoutcables. This results in a poor end user experience as the user would notbe able to be sure of the cables and converters needed to provide afunctional “direct” connection. Additionally, many of the connectionsbetween the different configurations of plugs and sockets may not work,since the pinout orientation may be wrong and not match between theconnector and the device. This may be due to different ground (GND) orother signal positioning at the item to be connected to the terminal—ordue to a non-1:1 adapter or cable in between the two. The inventionsolves the problem by automatically resolving the different pinoutconfigurations and matching to the possible non-direct adapters andcables in between the terminal and the headset/headphone/TV/homeamplifier/car/etc. that the connection is to be established with.

The invention provides many advantages over conventional configurations.For example, the invention allows the user to connect almost anyheadphone, headset, or connector cable directly to the portable deviceand receive full functionality (with no additional user involvementneeded). A conventional manual setting by the user is impractical due tothe large number of signal combinations, and trying out the combinationswould be time consuming and lead to signals that are annoying or evenpotentially harmful to the devices or the user (e.g. routing videooutput signals to a headphone, an audio amplifier, or a microphone).Additionally, detecting the correct functionality would be difficult, asit would require playing back different signals (and in the case ofvideo output, would require the display device to be active to detectthe correct operation).

The invention also provides significant advantages over conventionalconfigurations which use adapters between devices. Conventionalmechanical conversion adapters and cables may cause even moreincompatibility between devices. The adapters, adapter plugs, or cablesthat change the order of the contacts are easy to construct and mayexist, but they reduce the reliability and generally only serve onecombination at a time. With these adapters, the user does not know whichadapter will solve the problem without having a multi-meter to find theright ground arrangement. The invention enables the detection of correctpin order and configuration even if an adapter or cable changing the pinorder (e.g. changing the order of ground and signal(s)) is used.

The invention is especially advantageous in cases where the differentpinouts are requested by operators on different continents (such asNorth America, Asia, and Europe) where the industry standards may all bedifferent and without the invention, the user has no way to gaininteroperability. Without the invention, different hardware versionswould be required for different markets. This disclosed innovation wouldsolve the interoperability automatically.

It should be noted that various embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with reference to a 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm round plug with three tofour conductors. Alternate embodiments may include two conductors with2.5 mm and 3.5 mm round plugs in addition to 2 to 3 conductorconfigurations with 6.3 mm plugs. Additionally, the disclosed switchinginvention may be provided in any suitable portable terminal or acomputer or an MP3/media players, an enhancement/peripheral or ananother similar device, or a car or a home media system with a cable ora converter therebetween. Furthermore, although the figures for theabove described switching systems comprise a connector socket(configured to receive a connector plug) alternate embodiments maycomprise a connector plug, or any other suitable connectorconfiguration.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 600 of manufacturing the electronic device.The method 600 includes the following steps. Providing a housing section(step 602). Installing electronic circuitry in the housing section (step604). Connecting a first connector to the housing section, wherein thefirst connector is configured to receive a second connector having afirst contact area and a second different contact area (step 606).Connecting a switching system to the first connector, wherein theswitching system is configured to alternatively connect a ground of theelectronic circuitry to the first or the second contact area (step 608).The above method may be implemented with configurations where the firstconnector comprises a connector socket and the second connectorcomprises a connector plug, or wherein the first connector comprises aconnector plug and the second connector comprises a connector socket.However, any suitable connector configuration may be provided. It shouldbe noted that any of the above steps may be performed alone or incombination with one or more of the steps.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method 700 of manufacturing the electronic device.The method 700 includes the following steps. Providing a housing section(step 702). Installing electronic circuitry in the housing section (step704). Connecting a connector socket to the housing section, wherein theconnector socket is configured to alternatively receive a firstconnector plug having a first electrical configuration pattern and asecond connector plug having a second different electrical configurationpattern (step 706). Connecting a switching system to the connectorsocket, wherein the switching system is configured to output a thirdelectrical configuration pattern when the first connector plug isreceived, and wherein the switching system is configured to output thesame third electrical configuration pattern when the second connectorplug is received (step 708). It should be noted that any of the abovesteps may be performed alone or in combination with one or more of thesteps.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method 800 of switching signals within theelectronic device. The method 800 includes the following steps.Detecting a circuit pattern of contact areas of a connector plugreceived at a connector socket of an electronic device (step 802).Switching electrical connections within the electronic device based onthe detected circuit pattern (step 804). Electrically connecting theconnector plug to the electronic device through the switched electricalconnections (step 806). It should be noted that any of the above stepsmay be performed alone or in combination with one or more of the steps.

Referring now also to FIG. 13, the device 10 generally comprises acontroller 900 such as a microprocessor for example. The electroniccircuitry includes a memory 902 coupled to the controller 900, such ason a printed circuit board for example. The memory could includemultiple memories including removable memory modules for example. Thedevice has applications 904, such as software, which the user can use.The applications can include, for example, a telephone application, anInternet browsing application, a game playing application, a digitalcamera application, etc. These are only some examples and should not beconsidered as limiting. One or more user inputs 20 are coupled to thecontroller and one or more displays 22 are coupled to the controller.The switching system 100, 200, 300, 300A, 300B, 400 are also coupled tothe controller 100. The device 10 may programmed to automatically changesignal configurations within the switching system when a plug isdetected within the socket. However, in an alternate embodiment, thismight not be automatic. The user might need to actively select a changein the application being used/run.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a switching system 1000, in accordance with aseventh embodiment is illustrated. Similar to the systems describedabove, the system 1000 comprises a right audio channel signal 1002, aleft audio channel signal 1004, and a ground signal 1014. The system1000 additionally comprises a so called “initiate call/terminate call”switch 1050 and a connector plug 1026. However, alternate embodimentsmay comprise a connector socket, or any other suitable type connector.The connector plug 1026 comprises contact areas 1028, 1030, 1032, 1034.The connector plug is configured to be insertable into a connectorsocket comprising mating contact areas. The system 1000 provides aconfiguration which may be used in a headset device for example.

The “initiate call/terminate call” switch 1050 may be a simple switchwhich is latch able and manually operated for example. The “initiatecall/terminate call” switch 1050 is configured to short circuit themicrophone signal in the headset as an indication to the phone or deviceto perform an action (such as terminate or wait for a spoken voice tag,for example). As shown in FIG. 14, the “hook-switch” 1050 could bepermanently closed (zero ohms), thus providing the same configuration asa headphone connector plug with a “long GND” configuration.

The system 1000 allows for a headset to provide a “universal”configuration by having the latching hook-switch 1050 that could be setto closed state while using the headset as headphones in an airplane,with a PC, or with an MP3 player for example, that have any of the twoGND settings in question.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modificationscan be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from theinvention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. An apparatus comprising: a first connector configured to receive asecond connector having a first contact area and a second differentcontact area; and a switching system connected to the first connector,wherein the switching system is configured to alternatively connect aground of the apparatus to the first or the second contact area.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the first connector comprises a connectorsocket, and wherein the second connector comprises a connector plug. 3.The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the connector socket is configured toreceive a connector plug having at least three contact areas.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein the connector socket further comprises atleast three mating contact areas.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe switching system comprises a saturated bipolar [NPN] transistor, aMOSFET switch, or a MEMS switch.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thefirst or the second contact area is driven with an amplifier that has azero input.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the switching system isconfigured to operate automatically.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe first connector comprises a connector plug, and wherein the secondconnector comprises a connector socket.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the switching system comprises a manual switch.
 10. An apparatuscomprising: a connector socket configured to alternatively receive afirst connector plug having a first electrical configuration pattern anda second connector plug having a second different electricalconfiguration pattern; and a switching system connected to the connectorsocket, wherein the switching system is configured to output a thirdelectrical configuration pattern when the first connector plug isreceived in the socket, and wherein the switching system is configuredto output the same third electrical configuration pattern when thesecond connector plug is received in the socket.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 10 wherein the first electrical configuration pattern comprises afirst ground signal position and the second electrical configurationpattern comprises a second different ground signal position.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 10 wherein the connector socket comprises at leastthree mating contact areas.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein theswitching system comprises a saturated bipolar [NPN] transistor, aMOSFET switch, or a MEMS switch.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10 whereinthe connector socket is configured to receive a circular multi-contactconnector plug having a diameter of about 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 10 wherein the first electrical configuration patterncomprises a first industry standard configuration and the secondelectrical configuration pattern comprises a second different industrystandard configuration.
 16. A method comprising: providing a housingsection; installing electronic circuitry in the housing section;connecting a first connector to the housing section, wherein the firstconnector is configured to receive a second connector having a firstcontact area and a second different contact area; and connecting aswitching system to the first connector, wherein the switching system isconfigured to alternatively connect a ground of the electronic circuitryto the first or the second contact area.
 17. The method of claim 16wherein the first connector is a connector plug, and wherein the secondconnector is a connector socket.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein theconnector socket is configured to detect an insertion of the connectorplug.
 19. The method of claim 16 wherein the switching system isconfigured to operate automatically.
 20. The method of claim 16 whereinthe first connector is a connector socket, and wherein the secondconnector is a connector plug.
 21. A method comprising: providing ahousing section; installing electronic circuitry in the housing section;connecting a connector socket to the housing section, wherein theconnector socket is configured to alternatively receive a firstconnector plug having a first electrical configuration pattern and asecond connector plug having a second different electrical configurationpattern; and connecting a switching system to the connector socket,wherein the switching system is configured to output a third electricalconfiguration pattern when the first connector plug is received, andwherein the switching system is configured to output the same thirdelectrical configuration pattern when the second connector plug isreceived.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the first electricalconfiguration pattern comprises a first ground signal position and thesecond electrical configuration pattern comprises a second differentground signal position.
 23. A method comprising: detecting a circuitpattern of contact areas of a connector plug received at a connectorsocket of an electronic device; switching electrical connections withinthe electronic device based on the detected circuit pattern; andelectrically connecting the connector plug to the electronic devicethrough the switched electrical connections.
 24. The method of claim 23wherein the switching of the electrical connections further comprisesautomatically switching the electrical connections within the electronicdevice based on the detected circuit pattern.
 25. A program storagedevice readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program ofinstructions executable by the machine for performing operations toprovide a connection between a first device and a second device, theoperations comprising: detecting a circuit pattern of contact areas of aconnector plug received at a connector socket of the first device,wherein the connector plug is connected to a second device; switchingelectrical connections within the first device based on the detectedcircuit pattern; and electrically connecting the second device to thefirst device through the switched electrical connections.